The Second India-Nepal Tourism Meet officially commenced today, launching a series of destination promotion activities aimed at boosting tourism in Nepal. The initiative, organized jointly by Pokhara Visit Year 2025, Pokhara Tourism Council, Ministry of Industry and Tourism, Gandaki Province, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and the Nepal Tourism Board, seeks to enhance the success of Pokhara Visit Year 2025 and attract an increased number of Indian and foreign tourists.
Warm Welcome for Indian Delegation
A delegation of Indian travel operators and social media influencers arrived in Nepal on Monday, marking the start of the promotional program. Led by Abhishek Sankrit of Sankrit Tours India, the team was warmly received at the Sunauli border checkpoint by Jeevan Raj Sapkota, General Secretary of Pokhara Tourism Council. The delegation was then escorted to Sauraha in Chitwan, where local tourism stakeholders, including representatives from the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Chitwan, welcomed them and engaged in interactive sessions.
Discussions on Tourism Collaboration
During the interaction, participants discussed avenues for cooperation and partnerships between Nepal and India to promote tourism. Key speakers, including Suman Ghimire, Central Member of HAN, and Prem Bhattarai of the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted the potential for strengthened tourist exchanges and collaborative initiatives. A promotional video of Sauraha was also presented, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage to the Indian delegation.
Multi-Destination Tour Across Nepal
The Indian promotional team is set to explore several key destinations in Nepal over the next few days. The itinerary includes visits to Bandipur and Begnas in Tanahun on Poush 1, Parbat and Baglung on Poush 2, and Pumdikot in Pokhara on Poush 3. The tour will culminate with their participation in the tourism meet scheduled at Hotel Pokhara Grand, where they will engage further with local stakeholders and tourism entrepreneurs. The team is expected to return to India via Palpa on Poush 4.
Strengthening Bilateral Tourism Ties
The Second India-Nepal Tourism Meet represents a major step in enhancing tourism relations between the two neighboring countries. The initiative provides a platform for dialogue, networking, and exchange of ideas between Indian and Nepalese tourism professionals, thereby creating opportunities for joint ventures, promotional campaigns, and investment in the tourism sector.
Boosting Local Economy and Cultural Exchange
The event is expected to have a positive impact on local economies, particularly in Pokhara, Chitwan, and surrounding destinations, by attracting a larger number of tourists and increasing revenue for local businesses. In addition, the initiative promotes people-to-people relations between Nepal and India, fostering cultural understanding and mutual collaboration in tourism development.
As Nepal continues to leverage its rich cultural and natural heritage, programs like the Second India-Nepal Tourism Meet are crucial for sustaining tourist interest and building a resilient tourism industry. The success of the Pokhara Visit Year 2025, combined with collaborative efforts between Nepalese and Indian stakeholders, is expected to reinforce Nepal’s position as a preferred destination for travelers from India and around the world.
